Vegeta Midlife Crisis

Rain reborn in a new crisis ridden world, the book tells the journey of his navigating the crisis and making a place for himself in the new world.

In 2213, humanity faced an unimaginable nightmare. Monsters—horrifying, relentless, and otherworldly—began to emerge without warning, attacking everything in their path. Humanity’s best weapons proved useless against these creatures, and as cities and territories fell, nations were forced to unite in a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the chaos, some who were exposed to these creatures developed unique powers. They documented their newfound abilities in ancient-like books, which became crucial training tools for the military. When the immediate crisis eased, these ability books were made available to the public, offering a glimmer of hope and a way to fight back. The original ability-users, known as the “Pioneers,” formed their own factions, working alongside—but often apart from—the united government, which had reformed as a global military. These newfound abilities transformed society, sparking extraordinary technological advances and reshaping the world. Now, in 2225, 16-year-old Roland faces the start of his own journey. It’s his turn to attend the military academy, where every young person trains to defend humanity from the monsters. But Roland holds a mysterious book, left by his family, with secrets that may redefine his destiny—and perhaps even rewrite his past.

The world has fallen into a huge disaster. The environment has deteriorated, monsters are running amok, and resources are scarce. Human survival is facing an unprecedented crisis. And the protagonist has a special ability in such a desperate situation and can light up the technology tree. Starting as an unappreciated little person, he uses his ability to unlock one key technology after another. The protagonist first uses technology to improve the living conditions of people around him in the shelter. He creates a highly efficient energy collection device, solving the problem of insufficient energy and making the shelter no longer threatened by darkness and cold. After that, he develops powerful weapons to fight the raging monsters and enhances human defense capabilities. As the technology tree is continuously lit up, the protagonist also invents equipment that can purify the environment and gradually improve the polluted land and water sources, giving humans more living space. In this process, the protagonist not only has to face external challenges brought by disasters but also deal with complex internal human conflicts of interests and suspicions. But he always persists. Taking technology as the light of hope, he leads humans to strive to rebuild their homes in the disaster era and move forward towards the goal of restoring world order and prosperity, becoming the hope star of humans in the dark period.

Werewolf Sheriff's Adventure in a Foreign World **Summary**: The story tells about Raven, a deputy sheriff of the city guard who crossed into a different world, and Sheriff Ellie, a werewolf, experiencing various adventures in the city of Wima together. Raven was assassinated during a mission but accidentally discovered Ellie's werewolf identity. To help Ellie conceal her identity, they cooperated with the alchemist Vela and successfully dealt with the crisis on the full moon night. Later, they solved many cases, including the out-of-control supernatural creature, the criminal organization "Vegetable Market", and the invasion of the Church of Varkilis. During his battle with Vladimir, Raven successfully infiltrated the Church of Varkilis but discovered the secret of Councillor Harrington's cooperation with demons. In the end, Raven assassinated Harrington and protected the safety of the city of Wima. **Interesting Points**: 1. **Novel Character Settings**: Ellie is a werewolf sheriff, and Vela is a hundred-year-old vampire alchemist. These unique character settings add novelty to the story. 2. **Full of Twists and Turns**: From Raven's crossing, being assassinated, to discovering Ellie's secret, and then fighting against various criminal organizations, the plot is compact and full of suspense. 3. **Rich and Diverse Elements**: The story combines various elements such as magic, combat, and reasoning. For example, Raven's use of the Trickster's ability and the battle with demons make the story more colorful. 4. **Humorous and Witty Dialogues**: The dialogues between the characters are often humorous, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the tense story. 5. **Growth and Transformation**: Raven gradually grows from a crosser into a real guard. His mentality and abilities have undergone great changes, and this growth process is inspiring.

In the year 2045, when humanity stands at the crossroads of civilization, a hidden war is being staged for the fate of species. Luo Lin, who was born as a military doctor in the special forces, met Lin Yue, a biotechnology researcher with the special ability of "seeing life", while tracking down a series of bizarre biological mutation events. The encounter between the two uncovers a shocking secret that is enough to change the fate of mankind: the quantum consciousness technology and mysterious "evolution factor" across the globe are actually the testing ground of civilization laid by alien civilizations. In this world where technology and mutation coexist, human society is divided into "transcendentals" who pursue digital immortality and "primitives" who aspire to genetic evolution. When the evolutionary factor spreads out of control, the quantum consciousness network is invaded by mysterious signals, and human civilization is in an unprecedented crisis. Luo Lin and Lin Yue must find a balance between maintaining humanity and transcending evolution, opening up a third path for humanity beyond the seemingly inevitable trajectory of fate. This is a story of choice, a story of perseverance or change in the face of the unknown, and a story of love and hope that can transcend death and evolution. When the spark of civilization is blown by the wind of fate, where will we go?

"And by the time when I realized it, I found that my eyes were also always on you from the very beginning of our story," A contractual marriage, where her husband solves his company's crisis and her father gets an heir to inherit his family fortune. As long as she gives birth to a boy, they will get divorced, and the reason why he has always embraced her. It was devasting when Rennie finally realized that there was no affection but desperation in him to get out of this unwanted marriage. Facing the conspiracy of the underground organizations and feeling that her emotions were played by him, Rennie wanted to end her marriage and give him the freedom that he always wanted. When he no longer wanted that freedom and realized his mistakes. But it was already too late to turn back. Their baby left them forever, and she left him too...

The entire planet was dragged into a mysterious space known as the "Civilization Trial," with various apocalyptic trials following one after another. The crisis began with a parasitic threat, parasitic monsters silently replacing humans, and no one knew whether their relatives, friends, or comrades-in-arms had been masquerading as monsters. As everyone was steeped in deep fear, Shen Hao stared blankly at something extra that appeared before him. [Civilization Trial Cheats Collection] Begin with a mandatory draw of a Red Mythical Talent, friend-or-foe marking map, loot box probability adjustment, points acquisition multiplied by a hundred... Monster: "Run! This civilization is cheating!!!"

In the future of the Blue Star, a red beam of light suddenly descended and caused the rapid evolution of animals and plants. Ten cosmic monsters appeared out of nowhere and humanity was plunged into endless disasters. Wang Ye transmigrated with his talent for limitless skill points (cheats), rising from obscurity in times of crisis and breaking through deadlocks step by step... He embarked on a legendary journey to conquer all clans, become the leader of the human race, and rule the universe's seas. This fast-paced and exciting novel has a vast worldview, and features a truly intelligent, manly, and brave protagonist! (You know what I mean.) There are already excellent books of mine like "Star Forge", "Breaking The Galaxy With A Blade", and "And I'm Carrying The Hero Universe" with nearly ten thousand words updated each day. Quality is guaranteed, so please feel free to read them and add them to your favorites.

When a freak accident claims her life, Riley finds herself inexplicably aboard a strange spaceship, joined by seven other souls who perished at the same moment. Initially terrified, they gradually forge a bond in this unexpected afterlife, transforming the sterile vessel into a haven of camaraderie. Their newfound peace is shattered by the arrival of a cryptic message from a powerful entity known as AXIS. AXIS tasks them with a critical mission: journey to different worlds teetering on the brink of collapse, identify the source of their turmoil, and restore balance. The eight become unlikely saviors, traversing the cosmos and leaving legends in their wake. Their latest assignment, however, proves unlike any other. AXIS directs them to a world plagued by a deep-rooted crisis, a world eerily familiar to Riley. Upon arrival, she's reborn as the daughter of a minor lord in an isolated archipelago, a world scarred by a legendary war fought ten millennia ago. To her shock, she discovers her former companions from the spaceship are now revered as gods, ruling over this world for five thousand years. One sits upon the imperial throne, one has vanished without a trace, and one... is dead. Riley, now makes it her mission to find out what happened while she was gone, all the while trying to survive the dangers of this new world alone, without her friends.

David Marsh's carefree existence was disrupted when the shocking news of his classmate Harold Carter's attempted suicide reverberated through the school halls. As he struggled to comprehend the turmoil that had driven his classmate to such desperation, a mysterious voice echoed within David's mind. The voice, friendly and benevolent, harbored no sinister intent. Instead, it extended an unexpected request which was to pay a visit to the paranormal hospital where Harold had been left alone.

Follow the journey of a centurion of humble origins of the Roman Empire. A brave man, navigating the complex period of the 'Crisis of the third Century'. ROMA INVICTA!

In a world that is full of beast tamers, Samuel who lives with his sole parent, his father, is faced with a crisis when their village is attacked. It's on this occasion that he finds out that his father was also a beast tamer. But his strength was not capable of dealing with the beast that had attacked. His beast is killed and he suffers a backlash that leads to him being bedridden. As for the beast that attacked, it retreated after killing almost all the villagers. During his father's dying moments, he reveals that Samuel held a deep power within him and that he should go out and explore it. They had hidden in that village for over 18 years, to avoid the exploitation of his talent. As he finally leaves the village for the first time as long as he could remember, he finally ventures into the world, with a big secret hidden within him.

Yun Lintian, a man from Earth, found himself in a clichéd transmigrated situation and ended up in the Azure World, a magical cultivation-oriented world. Unlike the protagonists in the novels he had read, Yun Lintian lacks any cheating devices to assist him on his journey. Did the God of Transmission forget about it? However, as a crisis unfolds, an ancient power dormant within him suddenly awakens, entangling him in a mysterious destiny... Watch the journey of Yun Lintian in a foreign world as he rises in power ranking alongside his precious all-female sect! ————————————— DISCLAIMER: The protagonist of this novel is exceptionally powerful, resourceful, and mature. If you don't enjoy stories with an overpowered protagonist who frequently use logic from novels he has read to solve the problems he encounters, this novel may not be to your liking. Besides the cultivation adventure, this novel also focuses on romance, comedy, and the bonds between the protagonist and his fellow disciples in the sect. The author is not a native English speaker, so you can expect some grammatical errors in the novel. Please bear with me, and trust me, I am trying to improve it. Everything in this novel is pure fantasy based on the author's imagination. It does not reflect the real world. Hence, readers should not attempt to apply their common sense and logic to this novel. Constructive criticism is always welcome. ————————————— All rights to the cover belong to the original artist.

Luther, a medical student from the modern world, suddenly finds himself in the enigmatic town of Evernight, a place cloaked in perpetual twilight and steeped in mystery. Taking on the role of an apprentice under the wise but secretive Doc Joseph at the local clinic, Luther begins to navigate this strange new reality. But tranquility shatters when the ominous Black Blood Plague descends upon Evernight, ravaging its inhabitants with terrifying speed and even claiming Doc Joseph. Thrust into the role of the town's sole physician, Luther faces an insurmountable crisis. Amidst the chaos, he discovers a mysterious system within himself that not only grants him immunity to the plague but also allows him to tame strange creatures lurking in the shadows. Donning the iconic bird-beak mask of a plague doctor, Luther embarks on a perilous quest to unravel the dark secrets infecting Evernight. As he delves deeper, he uncovers hidden truths about the world around him and about himself, that could alter the fate of Evernight forever. In a land where nothing is as it seems, can Luther harness his newfound powers to save the town and find a way back home? Or will the shadows consume everything he holds dear?

Set in a modern, bustling metropolis, Selene, a hardworking ad newbie from an ordinary family, meets Blake Lu, a powerful business tycoon. When her firm takes on Blake's project, her unique idea draws his eye but also envy. After a plagiarism misunderstanding is cleared, Blake helps Selene out of a business scandal set by rivals. Their relationship develops despite status differences and family objections. Blake's company then faces a severe crisis....

Standing in the Aristocratic Circle New to the Aristocratic Circle and Subjected to Bullying After crossing over, Dai Shi Ya found herself in a hostile aristocratic family. The housekeeper, Liu, treated her poorly, arranging for her to stay in the servants' quarters and providing her with servant uniforms as "daily clothes." The other servants also held prejudices against her due to her status, making life difficult for her at every turn. Faced with these difficulties, Dai Shi Ya did not choose to confront immediately but decided to take the initiative to try to integrate into the family. She began to help in the kitchen, learning various domestic skills. Although her efforts did not immediately win the recognition of everyone, she gradually won the respect of some of the servants. Shining at the Family Dinner In order to establish herself in the family, Dai Shi Ya decided to take advantage of the family dinner. She meticulously prepared for various aspects of the dinner, including venue layout and menu design. At the dinner, she encountered multiple difficulties from her cousin Dai Yue. Dai Yue first tried to prevent her from attending the dinner by soiling her dress, and then attempted to embarrass her by making her perform piano in front of everyone. However, Dai Shi Ya used her intelligence and skills to defuse the crisis and showcased her embroidery talent and "mind-reading" skills at the dinner, winning everyone's admiration and changing the attitudes of the family elders towards her. Resolving Crises and Consolidating Her Position At the birthday party of the Dai family patriarch, Dai Shi Ya once again became the focus of attention. She not only put in a lot of effort in the preparation process but also skillfully handled various unexpected situations at the party. She exposed Dai Yue's malicious acts of spreading rumors behind the scenes, causing Dai Yue to be embarrassed in front of everyone, while also gaining the recognition and support of the family elders, further consolidating her position in the Dai family. Handling Family Affairs Dai Shi Ya gained the trust of the Dai family patriarch and was asked to handle some family affairs. She took over a land project that had been abandoned for many years and, through her own efforts, resolved a series of issues in the land development process, including the breakage of the capital chain and the resettlement of residents. In the process of handling the land project, she also discovered some clues about the late wife of the Dai family patriarch, which brought her closer to the patriarch and also aroused Dai Yue's jealousy and resentment. Business Competition and the Test of Friendship Business Conspiracy and Counterattack Dai Shi Ya's rise within the family aroused the jealousy and dissatisfaction of some people, making her a target of business competition. The collateral branch of the Dai family, including Dai Qiang, spread rumors behind the scenes, trying to tarnish her reputation and undermine her position in the family. Dai Shi Ya was not knocked down by these rumors. She exposed the conspiracy of Dai Qiang and others through her intelligence and investigative skills, and successfully counterattacked them at the family meeting, maintaining her reputation and position. Friendship Crisis and Resolution Dai Shi Ya's good friend Wei Qing was implicated in her business competition. Wei Qing was threatened by Zhao Lei, forced to distance himself from Dai Shi Ya, and betrayed her in some business affairs. Dai Shi Ya did not give up on Wei Qing. She investigated the truth through her own efforts, exposed Zhao Lei's malicious acts, successfully resolved the friendship crisis with Wei Qing, and also freed Wei Qing from Zhao Lei's threat.

Nin-Ran-Gi is a futuristic dystopian world plagued by rampant crime, including drugs, human trafficking, murder, kidnapping, and even worse atrocities. Vicious outlaws and criminal mastermind groups known as Sinners cause widespread destruction and devastation in society. These criminals have committed countless massacres, driving the world into crisis. Although the Special Security Counter Bureau Force (SSCBF) managed to curb the outlaw threat, the situation has only worsened, leaving people unsafe in their cities. Agent-90, a notorious and highly skilled assassin, steps forward to eliminate the outlaws and Sinners who threaten the government and society. *Disclaimer: The title has been changed because the title "Hitman: Monster" have different variation books and series. So sorry for late to notify

Amara Aryanti is a smart and ambitious professional woman, working as a project manager at a large technology company. With a simple family background in the village, Amara grew up with a strong determination to achieve success and help her family who had struggled for their education and future. Her skills and dedication made her known as an independent and brave person in making decisions. On the other hand, Raka Pratama is the sole heir of a large company in the construction and real estate sector. His life has always been surrounded by luxury and great responsibility. His father, a successful businessman, suddenly fell ill, leaving Raka with a great burden to maintain the sustainability of his family's company. Although he looks cold and firm on the outside, Raka actually has a soft side that is rarely known by those closest to him. Fate brought Amara and Raka together in an unexpected situation. Amara's family faced a financial crisis that almost made them lose their home and small business. In this desperate situation, Amara received a surprising offer from the Pratama family—a contract marriage with Raka. This marriage was arranged to improve the image of Raka's company in the eyes of the public and investors, as well as provide much-needed financial assistance to Amara's family. At the beginning of their contract marriage, Amara and Raka's relationship is full of tension and misunderstandings. They have to pretend to be the perfect couple in front of the public, but behind the scenes, they struggle to understand each other and find a way to live together. Raka, who is usually strict and distant, begins to see Amara's perseverance and intelligence. Meanwhile, Amara discovers Raka's humane and caring side hidden behind his cold demeanor. As time goes by, their relationship begins to change. Although initially full of conflict, their honesty and togetherness in facing various obstacles make their feelings begin to grow. They have to face many challenges, including pressure from Raka's family who feel Amara is not worthy of him, as well as intrigue from business partners who do not agree with their marriage. The story climaxes when a major crisis threatens Raka's company. Amara and Raka must work together to overcome this problem, and in the process, they realize that true love has grown between them. However, a decision must be made: will they continue this marriage based on true love, or separate after the contract ends?

Jimbo is a Hardcore Gamer. He makes a living in E-Sports. Compete in a niche, but it's HIS niche. There is no one else at his level who performs heart and soul in his favorite genre: Management. Whether it's towns, cities, or even armies - Jimbo is the organizational master! A facet that is ironic when his death is brought about by the deplorable condition of his room. Perhaps a soul like his would seem pathetic to any ethereal and divine entity who would take it between their fingers. But the truth is that every soul has its precious place in the universe, and Jimbo's place was in a realm in crisis. Only he would no longer be Jimbo. He would become the dungeon.

Muchuan accidentally got a magical box that couldn't be thrown away no matter how hard he lost it. He accidentally entered the fantasy realm of rules and became an apostle of the fantasy realm who walks between the fantasy realm and reality. The fantasy realm with the highest death rate, too little information? It doesn't matter, I have a recycling bin, and you can exchange it for information if you give me some good stuff. The skills are too rare and the combat power is too difficult to increase. It doesn't matter, recycling bins recycle all kinds of garbage at high prices, and they have all the skills. The magical props led the apostles to kill each other. You guys go ahead and play, I have ten more items that are better than this one. Just when Muchuan was traveling through the fantasy world, thinking that this box was the golden finger of his life... then he discovered that he was involved in a greater crisis by this box. Destiny is blocked, and only with your own light can you break through the fog!

the hero's journey, also known as the monomyth, is the common template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed. ~this happens to Mc I don't own the image , if the owner wants it gone let me know I don't own naruto either except the oc , don't sue me plz

Infinite world, infinite crisis. Survival of the fittest. Shrouded in fog, all living beings struggle to survive, and the strong men of all races go forward one after another, pouring out their blood, burning their unyielding will, and opening up shelters for countless creatures. … In pursuit of the end of life evolution, Yan Xing was born in this world, and accidentally got the thirteenth-level peak creation from the highest civilization of science and technology·materialistic heavens-Concept Editor, and started the road of crazy evolution! Evolutionary talents: perpetual motion machine, microscopic vision, time and space traveler, unyielding will, swallowing the sky and the earth, poisonous body of all evils, endless, life return, gravity control... Yan Xing: "Give me infinite suffering, and practice supreme power!" -Unlimited·Adaptation. -The fittest is the king! !

He traveled back in time to the world of Dragon Ball and became a newborn Saiyajin. Starting with 200 combat points, he became an advanced warrior of the same level as Raditz. Five years later, on this day, the God of Destruction Beerus arrives on Planet Vegeta.... Countdown to the destruction of the planet! The plot begins! Without a system, without a golden finger, in front of Planet Vegeta that was about to be destroyed by Freezer, Talot made a certain decision. ...... This is a translation.

In the edge of the universe there exists a planet, Earth. A planet inhabited of primal beasts, the flora and fauna all strive to survive. It was a perfect symbiosis all until the Orb of Crisis's arrival. It, together with its vilespawn, brought ruin to Earth's evolutionary process, forcing it to undergo an abrupt metamorphosis. Mountains split, the skies sundered, catastrophe once again ravaged the Earth's surface as it attempted to cleanse itself of the filth until a new life form emerged, the Humans. Earth's efforts to protect itself had been fulfilled and thus the Humans that was born was tasked with only one task, to rid the world of the Orb's Sins.

A cosmic event involving an artifact like cube crafted by an ancient Martian civilization has created a supernatural barrier called the Sky Wall, which divides future Japan into three literal, and figurative regions, Touto, Hokuto, and Seito. Along with creating a complex split between the three, the event has brought with it legions of creatures dubbed Smash down onto the country, who chase and attack citizens on sight. Sento Kiryu, having lost his memory, is found and sheltered by a enigmatic cafe owner named Soichi Isurugi who gives him a belt called the Build Driver that gives him the ability to turn into Kamen Rider Build, which he uses to fight the Smash in his own way. Sento learns that his forgotten past is connected to the events of the Sky Wall Disaster. In his search for the truth about his past and a solution to the current crisis, Sento makes several friends who also gain the ability to transform and battle with him, acquires several adversaries who fight back at his attempts to save everyone, and is pushed to figure out who is on what side, and what the sides even are or mean! Fan adapted Novel following the Show "Kamen Rider Build" as closely as possible.

In the Modern World of the Year 2023, something happened worldwide as gates or portals are being summoned in each of the continents or cities. The world thought it was a joke about what's happening until they realize that monsters or unknown beings appeared out of the gates killing and mercilessly humans one by one without warning, the population decreased by 10% and the United Nations issued a alert to use every military power to deal with them including nukes. But, hope was lost when this beings are imbued with magical powers or energy making bullets and radioactive weaponry (nukes) useless against them, when all hope was lost after human population decreased by 25%, hope appeared and humanity managed to push or fend off this beings either killing them or bring them back where they belong with the help of other races that are different like them. They have pointy ears like Elves, Short but wield heavy weapons and creating weapons like Dwarves, similar like animals Beast People, or Smart, Strong, and Intelligent like Dragons. A year later has passed, after that world crisis happened. At the Year 2024, there will be a certain young adult that will change the world using the ability to Craft & Build through Imagination and Summoning & Luck through Gacha, his name is Rowan Ashbourne. He comes from a Noble Household the Ashbourne Family, his Father's name is Baron Oswin Ashbourne the Head of the Ashbourne Family, his Mother's name is Seren Ashbourne. He has two younger brothers who is Darien and Finton Ashbourne. With this Rowan Ashbourne who can change the world in the near future with his newfound power will mark the history of the world.

Behind the hustle and bustle of the prosperous metropolis lies a mysterious world of cultivation. The protagonist, being a Celestial Master, bears a mysterious inheritance and possesses extraordinary magic skills and wisdom. He slays demons and exorcises evil spirits in the city, resolving one crisis after another. Facing the challenges from evil forces, he is fearless. Relying on his powerful strength and firm belief, he safeguards the city and its people. In this urban cultivation journey full of fantasy and challenges, he will write his own legendary chapter.

Matthew Franklin wakes up in a new world as Park Jason Gabriel, the illegitimate son of a wealthy South Korean family. After his mother's death, he moves in with his paternal family, where he faces humiliation and the burden of his hidden status. At thirteen, he endures a difficult life until he leaves for the States, only to be forced back by his family. Now, he must take his older brother's place in an arranged marriage to Kim Seo-yeon, an heiress facing a crisis. Bound by tradition, the marriage is non-negotiable, requiring them to stay together for at least three years. Jason must navigate his new and unwanted life under these circumstances.

Richard Yeon's revolutionary AI didn't just push the boundaries of artificial intelligence—it shattered them. His creation could design and optimize solar capture technology beyond anything humanity had achieved, promising to harness the Sun's power at unprecedented levels. But when his father discovers a terrible conspiracy he's silenced permanently. Richard on the other hand was seen as a threat, so he was framed and condemned to life in Kashui Maximum Security Prison For three years, while the world races toward an energy crisis, Richard's brilliant mind sharpens behind bars. Then new evidence emerges, proving his innocence. Upon his release, he finds his AI has been corrupted and evolved—now capable of creating solar harvesting technology so powerful it could either free humanity from its energy shackles or bring civilization to its knees. As Richard hunts for his father's killers through Shanghai's shadows, he uncovers a the same plot that killed his father: a consortium of criminal syndicates and corrupt tech giants plans to use his AI's solar technology not for salvation, but to hold the world's energy supply hostage. The same forces that destroyed his family now stand on the brink of controlling the power of the Sun itself. In a city where neon lights mask dark intentions, Richard must choose between unleashing a revenge that could darken the skies forever or finding a way to bring his father's dream of unlimited clean energy into the light.

A boy walk on path of blood and revenge after he loses his brother in circumstantial crisis. But what is the end of his journey? Revenge or salvation? ***** Story is neither set in old nor in futuristic timeline, which gives possibilities of realism cinematic world. While It seems bloody from the start but I assure you there's sweat and lots of white stuff bursting ahead, If you know what I mean. R18 alert!!!! Adult alert!!!! Nudity alert!!!! Harem alert!!!! I know I said realism but not in this regard, I guess I can't help it. ******